Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Robert Fogg
Maine arborist
NAPLES — We all know how important trees are to our environment and our daily lives in general, but have you ever stopped to think about the byproducts that trees produce? Trees produce shade. Where would we be on a hot summer day without shade? Trees produce fuel for heat. There’s nothing quite like wood heat.
Trees produce maple syrup as well as fruit, nuts and oils. They produce food for wildlife as well as providing shelter and even homes for some.
Have you ever tried spruce gum? Or birch beer? What about Tamiflu? Yes, Tamiflu contains shikimic acid, which can be extracted from pine needles. Pine tar has uses ranging from patching your roof to adding grip to your baseball bat.
Creosote, produced from trees, acts as a wood preservative, while witch hazel, also a small tree (or shrub) has medicinal uses. Biochar, made by roasting wood, is good for your garden.
When you stop and think about it, trees have an effect on our lives, in some way, almost every day. And I’ve got good news. Trees will sprout and grow almost any place you will let them. We can all be happy about that.
Robert Fogg is is general manager of Q-Team Tree Service in Naples and is also a licensed arborist. He can be reached at RobertFogg@Q-Team.com or 207-693-3831.
